How is Helcim compared to Stripe?

Stripe is a developer-first platform with an extensive API ecosystem. Many merchants choose Stripe when they need highly integrated and customizable payment workflows. Helcim also offers a developer API, along with plug-and-play tools like HelcimPay.js, which allows businesses without a large development team to integrate payments into their websites and apps more easily. Stripe may charge additional fees for certain advanced API and integration features, while Helcim provides free access to its developer API and businesses only pay transaction fees.

Yes. Helcim is a strong Stripe alternative for businesses looking for lower payment processing fees. Helcim offers essential payment tools for many business types, including invoicing, a virtual terminal, payment links, and recurring billing—all without extra monthly fees. Helcim’s API and integration options also make it easy to accept payments through websites, systems, or apps. In addition, the Helcim Payment Extension allows businesses to connect Helcim to their business management software without API work, coding, or third-party connectors, helping merchants maintain their workflow while benefiting from Helcim’s low fees.

Although Stripe offers in-person payment devices, it typically requires businesses to integrate Stripe with a supported third-party POS system or with merchant's custom POS solution using Stripe’s API, SDK, JavaScript, or React Native tools. Helcim, on the other hand, offers ready-to-use POS hardware and software, including Helcim POS software, the Helcim Card Reader, and the Helcim Smart Terminal. As a result, Helcim merchants can set up and start processing payments quickly without complex configuration.

Yes. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, which can result in lower credit card processing fees compared to Stripe’s flat-rate pricing. Helcim also offers automatic volume discounts that reduce processing fees as a business’s transaction volume grows. In addition, Helcim provides surcharging tools that allow merchants to legally pass credit card processing fees on to customers where permitted.

Both companies offer customer support, but the experience may differ. According to Trustpilot reviews, some Stripe merchants report difficulty contacting customer support or receiving timely assistance. Helcim provides support through email, tickets, and phone, and Trustpilot reviewers often highlight Helcim’s support team as helpful, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile to resolve issues clearly.

Yes. Both Helcim and Stripe are PCI compliant and use industry-standard security practices to protect sensitive payment and cardholder data. One difference is that Helcim includes fraud detection tools at no additional cost, while Stripe may charge extra per transaction for fraud prevention features.

Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model that passes through the underlying interchange and card brand fees charged by banks and credit card networks, plus a transparent markup. Stripe uses flat-rate pricing, where each transaction is charged at a fixed published rate. Flat-rate pricing is simple and predictable, but interchange-plus pricing is often more cost-effective over the long term, especially for businesses processing higher volumes or larger transactions.